Runner Takes Gold in State Championship

Cross Country champion Ryan E. ’20 takes first place in the NYSAIS State Championship with a time of 16:25 on Marathon Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019. He previously took the gold in the NYCAL Championship. (Al Pareira)

Fittingly, Ryan E. ’20 joined the pantheon of elite runners on Marathon Sunday, participating in the NYSAIS Cross Country State Championship and finishing in first place in the 5K with an impressive time of 16:25. 

“It was cool to do something that nobody has ever done before in our community,” Ryan said. “Through hard work, I have been able to consistently improve my running times and achieve this.” 

At the championship, Ryan was competing against the best runners from independent schools across the entire state. Despite the challenge of facing each school’s top athletes, Eagan demonstrated his superiority, posting a personal best in the event and claiming first place. Ryan’s achievement marks the first time a student from Browning has earned a gold medal at the NYSAIS championship. 

Ryan also took gold at the NYCAL championship last year, defeating the second place opponent by more than a full minute. Ryan’s accomplishments were honored during a sports assembly where his name was added to the cross country banner in the Kurani Gymnasium. 

Over the past three years, Ryan’s work ethic on Browning’s cross country team has contributed to his remarkable success. 

“Ryan is one of the hardest working athletes I have witnessed in my 19 plus years at the School,” Director of Athletics Andrew West ’92 said. “When practice is over, sometimes it is just starting for Ryan, as he stays and continues to work at his craft. Although Browning is a small school, he put us on the map by finishing first at the NYSAIS championships, something I will never forget.” 

Ryan will continue running during the winter and spring seasons, as he will participate in both indoor and outdoor track.